Mtg: Richard Dasher + Dustin J Ross

Attendees: Dustin J Ross, Richard Dasher, Bliss Perry Date: November 14, 2025 Type: Advisor Meeting

Summary

Interdisciplinary path: Music conservatory → Linguistics PhD → State Department (Japan/Korea programs) → Japanese entertainment business → Stanford since 1993
Runs US-Asia Technology Management Center at Stanford
- 18 member companies (16 Japanese, 2 Korean)
- Hosts 11 visiting scholars annually
- Industry-funded since ~2000 after government cuts
Partner in Tokyo-based VC firm investing in Japanese startups going global
Key insight: Better to approach technology from outside than pure tech background

Quantum computing showing strong VC momentum over 7-8 years
- Japanese company Bloq (BLOCQ) using quantum to recover lost Bitcoin keys
- Risk: First customers likely intelligence agencies for encryption breaking
Robotics/AI manufacturing
- Integral AI (Tokyo) - AI agent designing robots that can 3D print other robots
- Figure AI - humanoid robotics with significant recent funding
- Boston Scientific developments worth monitoring
Dustin’s modular construction focus aligns well with robotics manufacturing trends
- Ukrainian hospital project using Japanese robotic arms for prefab construction
- Architect claims better facade control than traditional building

Core problem: Acting with unipolar mentality in multipolar world
Energy policy example: US polarized either/or approach vs China’s pragmatic “maximize supply” strategy
Need new capitalism model beyond pure economic growth metrics
- Must include societal impact, sustainability, competitiveness measures
- Richard co-taught “Rebalancing Economic Systems” course with Delhi competitiveness expert
Critical materials dependency: 90% pharmaceutical precursors from China, defense supply chain vulnerabilities

Country shuts down for 5-day New Year holiday
Christmas not celebrated, but year-end parties common
Richard will provide recommendations for:
- Personal travel (restaurants, activities)
- Deep tech/robotics company visits
- Business connections